As well as providing opportunities for trade apprentices from local colleges to practise the construction skills they are learning, our Kingsley Road site also offers the ideal environment for us to run our own training programmes.

Our latest project aims to support and motivate individuals to build confidence, take action and make progress to improve their lives. Recognising that low self-esteem can limit a person's performance and contribute to continued lack of purpose and productivity, the project aims to encourage self-belief, through participation in training, which will involve both taught elements and practical application of learnt skills.

The overall aim is to boost individuals’ confidence and address barriers to training, by delivering learning which is both fun and interactive, delivered in a supportive environment. It is designed to encourage participants to consider pursuing further training activities to improve future employment opportunities.

HPBC will be offering two training programmes in 2014: the Open Awards accredited Level 1 Construction Site and Craft Skills Diploma and a shorter introductory course in DIY Skills. Funding has been provided by Sanctuary Group.

Those attending the Diploma course will be introduced to basic, key skills in all construction trades to improve DIY techniques, including joinery, painting & decorating, plastering, bricklaying and tiling, together with aspects of Health and Safety, in both a construction site and home environment. There will also be the opportunity to gain a CSCS card, a necessity for anybody wishing to gain future work on a construction site.

HPBC offers the ideal opportunity for learners to gain practical experience on a real-life construction site, working alongside our experienced, qualified construction team, whilst being supported by the site Construction Manager.

Volunteers and home owners are involved in most aspects of the build process at HPBC, offering two key benefits to learners:

the team operates a supportive training environment for all involved

many of our volunteers come from abroad offering the opportunity to meet and share experiences with a diverse group of people

as a fully operational construction site, the organisation has a range of tools and machinery which will be available to learners

To find out how to apply for a place on our training programme contact Liza Parry on 0151 707 9440 / 07817 066084 or email Liza@hpbc.org.uk.

Housing People Building Communities is a UK Company Limited by Guarantee, no. 04839075, and UK Registered Charity no. 1102135